Masbate restaurants and bars guide

Halo halo is a popular desert on MasbateThere is a fair amount of choice to satisfy the cravings of every foodie and it is not hard to find a range of cuisines in the main beach resorts which are growing ever more familiar with the demands of international tourists from Europe and North America.

The most diverse selection by far is the island capital of Masbate City, where local Filipino seafood dishes predominate along with a little Italian, Thai, Chinese and simple Mediterranean fare. An unforgettable dining experience here is the famous floating restaurant which cruises around Masbate Bay each evening, serving up delicious Filipino buffets.

There are some truly idyllic beachfront spots in Ticao Island, Aroroy and Bagacay, offering a spectacular setting for dinner. Although you tend to pay a little more for that spectacular ocean view, the chic ambience and top quality experience are worth every penny.

Nightlife in Masbate is generally restricted to the capital where a handful of discos, trendy lounges and a laid back local taverns offer an array of atmospheres from laid back lounging to rowdy nights of deafening karaoke.

Recommended Masbate restaurants and dining

Amperez Bar and Grill
This is a cozy restaurant and lounge in central Masbate City with delightfully eccentric interior design. This is where a rustic old English country pub meets a Moroccan shisha lounge, however the menu is strictly Asian Pacific. There is a little of everything with Thai noodles, satay and creamy coconut curries, oriental style stir fries and of course traditional Filipino bites. Excellent value home cooking.

Joe’s Pizza
For visitors homesick for some familiar fare, look no further than Joe’s Pizza. It has the atmosphere of an authentic New York style pizza house, however you can choose from some decidedly exotic toppings such as spicy sate beef, catfish, eggplant, okra and chicken lechon. All the usual favourites are here too from simple Bolognese, four cheese and Hawaiian thin crust pizzas. Excellent value for money in this lively hangout.

The Floating Restaurant
This is a must do Masbate dining experience and a real crowd pleaser with visiting tourists. It is a vibrantly painted boat cum restaurant that sets sail each evening from Masbate City, cruising around the bay and offering good quality menu of Filipino and western favourites. Traditional acoustic music and twinkling fairy lights provide a romantic ambience. There is a choice of a la carte grilled steaks, pasta and local Filipino delicacies or good value ‘eat all you can’ buffets. Understandably a popular choice on the island.

Eden’s Fine Dining
A captivating beachfront location makes this elegant place a top pick for romantics. An imaginative menu comprises typical grilled seafood and steaks along with tempting local specialties such as Sinigang broth with pork and snake beans. Mellow background music and the sounds of crashing waves guarantees a memorable night of dining under the stars. website: www.bituonbeach.com.

MG Restaurant
A great central location and arguably the widest selection of dishes in the area make this laid back eatery well worth popping into. The décor is old world colonial charm with wicker furniture and grand chandeliers, but most dishes are moderately priced. There is a little bit of something for everyone with Filipino, all American ribs and burgers, pasta and even Greek moussaka and meze to choose from.

Recommended Masbate bars and nightlife venues

Rendezvous
Located in an attractive art deco style hotel of the same name, Rendezvous is one of Masbate’s most popular hangouts and has a lively, student orientated vibe, known for its fairly rowdy weekend club nights.

Cheap early evening deals on bottled beers and cocktails and a decent menu of tasty bar snacks. During busier months there is a good mix of tourist and fashionable locals.

Ranchers Bar
A traveller-friendly watering hole decked out in rustic wood paneling and bamboo and a jumping weekend nightspot with live music. There is a good menu of Asian rice and noodle dishes and early evening movies on the big screen. Located in the Rancher’s Hotel, it is quite a lively spot for sleepy Masbate standards.